BAE warning systems headed for Mideast

NASHUA - BAE Electronic Systems was awarded a $66 million contract on March 6 for the production of missile warning systems that will be sold to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System is the detection component of a suite of countermeasures used to protect combat, airlift and special operations aircraft from infrared guided missiles.

All the work will be performed in Nashua, with an estimated completion date of March 6, 2015. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.

BAE worked with ATK, an multi-national aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, to develop the AN/AAR-47 and AN/AAR-57 missile warning systems for the U.S. military and its allies.

BAE Electronic Systems employs about 9,000 people in approximately 23 locations, including Nashua, Hudson and Merrimack. Roughly 3,500 employees are in New Hampshire.